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How to Make Your Face Less Flat? 6 Surgical and Non-surgical Options

Having a flat face can be a challenge for many people. Fortunately, many surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments can help you achieve the facial shape you desire, from providing a subtle enhancement to a dramatic transformation.

What Does it Mean to Have a Flat Face?

A flat face can be defined as a face with little to no definition or with no prominent curves or angles. A flat face can be due to genetics or age, and the lack of definition can result in a face that appears dull and uncharacteristic. It could mean the forehead, cheeks, and chin are all of the same height. This can give the impression of having a shorter face and can make it challenging to achieve a more sculpted look. Many treatments can help to give your flat face more dimension and contouring, including fillers, Botox and other injectables, and surgical procedures.

What Causes a Flat Side Profile?

A flat face can be attributed to aging, genetics, or lifestyle habits. Aging can cause a lack of definition in the face due to decreased collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are two key proteins our body produces that are responsible for giving the skin its structure and definition. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases and can result in sunken cheeks and sagging skin, making the face appear flat. While there is no way to reverse the natural decrease in production, there are treatments that can stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduce the appearance of a flat face.

Genetics can also play a role, as genes in our DNA are responsible for bone structure and facial characteristics, leaving some people with a sunken cheekbone for a flat-looking face. Lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive sun exposure can also contribute to a flat face as they can cause the skin to lose elasticity.

Before and after photos of a female patient

Surgical Options for Flat Face Reshaping

Surgical options are available to reshape the face for a dramatic change. Facial contouring surgeries are designed to contour and create a more aesthetically pleasing look. These procedures typically involve reshaping the underlying facial structure with implants or removing excess fat, skin, or bone. These surgeries can create more pronounced cheekbones and a stronger chin, which can help to give a more defined and contoured look to a flat face. Some surgical options include:

  • Facelift: A facelift tightens and lifts the skin around the face and neck to provide a more youthful and sculpted look. It can help to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin, while giving the face more definition. This surgery can provide a dramatic transformation and is ideal for achieving a more balanced and contoured facial shape. Different types of facelifts, like mini facelifts or deep plane facelifts, can meet your unique needs.
  • Cheek and chin augmentation: Chin augmentation is a procedure that reshapes the chin by using a synthetic implant to create a more prominent chin. This can help to define the face, add symmetry, and create a more balanced facial shape. Cheek augmentation is similar but is used to create more volume and definition in the cheeks.
  • Facial fat grafting: Facial fat grafting is another option for those looking to add definition and contour to their face. This procedure involves taking fat from one part of the body and injecting it into areas of the face to create more volume and definition.

Non-surgical Options for Flat Face Reshaping

There are also non-surgical options for those who want to contour their face without anesthesia and significant downtime. Many patients can return to normal activities immediately after a treatment session with minimal signs of a cosmetic procedure. Non-surgical treatments for a flat face can include:

  • Dermal fillers: Fillers are injected into areas of the face lacking volume, like the cheeks and chin. They provide immediate and long-lasting results and can help to create a more chiseled and defined look to a flat face. Many dermal fillers, like Juvederm®, are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
  • Liquid facelift: A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure that combines dermal fillers and neuromodulators like Botox® to contour and define the face. This procedure can help to create a more balanced shape, reducing any flatness.
  • PDO thread lift: A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses medical-grade absorbable threads to lift and contour the face. The threads are inserted under the skin, which helps to lift sagging skin and add definition to the face.
before and after photos of a female patient

Get a Better Side Profile in New York

Philip Miller, MD, FACS, is a renowned double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York with a long career helping patients achieve unparalleled cosmetic results. Dr. Miller provides comprehensive consultations with customized treatment plans to help patients add shape, volume, and definition to their faces with surgical and non-surgical procedures. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to get a better side profile. 

Double Chin Removal: Refine Your Profile for a More Sculpted Look

Performed by New York City’s #1 double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with 20+ years of experience in facial contouring and aesthetic enhancement.

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Double Chin Treatment Options in NYC

Dr. Miller offers these options for treating a double chin: 

NeckTite

NeckTite™ is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes patented radiofrequency assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to rejuvenate the neck and jowls. NeckTite removes excess fat while tightening skin, often producing superior results to liposuction alone.

Liposuction

Liposuction is another chin contouring procedure Dr. Miller offers patients. This procedure may provide more dramatic neck fat removal than NeckTite, making it a good choice for patients with more submental fat. This procedure uses a microcannula to loosen and suction away fat from the treatment area, resulting in a more defined jawline.

Kybella

Kybella® is an injectable treatment and alternative to surgery for fat reduction. The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, which targets and destroys fat cells so the body can eliminate them through natural processes. During the procedure, you will receive multiple injections in a grid-like pattern across the treatment area. Results develop over time and patients typically need more than one treatment session to achieve full results.

Neck Lift

A neck lift addresses chin fat and loose skin in a single procedure. It is recommended for moderate to severe aging symptoms that can’t be sufficiently addressed using a non-surgical procedure like NeckTite. Although this treatment requires anesthesia and some downtime afterward, the improvements are very dramatic and long-lasting. 

Liposuction is another chin contouring procedure Dr. Miller offers patients

Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation increases the projection of the chin to bring the entire facial profile into balance. Dr. Miller offers both injectable dermal fillers and surgical implants to achieve this goal. Dermal fillers do not require anesthesia or downtime and results typically last up to 12 months. Surgical implants are placed using anesthesia and recovery is typically 1-2 weeks. However, this procedure yields permanent improvement unless the implant is removed. 

Dr. Miller can perform any of these treatments as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with others to achieve the most comprehensive results for each of his patients. 

Learn more about double chin surgery here.

How Does Dr. Miller Correct a Double Chin?

Dr. Miller uses the NatraLook process to create a supportive, collaborative environment where patients can discuss their goals. You and Dr. Miller develop a plan together to achieve exceptional natural-looking results.

Dr. Miller is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience. He uses his expertise to refine the look of each patient, giving them the aesthetic confidence they seek. To learn more about double chin treatments, contact our New York City or New Orleans office today to schedule a consultation. 

Double Chin Removal Before & After Photos

double chin removal before and after
double chin correction results in new york
double chin removal results before and after

Double Chin FAQ

How much does it cost to lose your double chin in New York?

Depending on the procedure or combination thereof, it can cost patients anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 per method. Dr. Miller will discuss the options that are best for you during your personal consultation. Once you develop a treatment plan, a more accurate estimate can be provided.

What surgery is best for double chin?

The best surgical procedure to address this issue is chin augmentation surgery. Liposuction is also an effective surgical method, but it doesn’t directly address a patient’s profile. Chin augmentation enhances the profile to reduce the appearance of a double chin, so it can help stop the issue from recurring. Patients who undergo liposuction alone risk the issue resurfacing if they don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Can double chin be removed permanently?

Yes, it can be permanently removed through surgical alteration. Not every method can offer permanent results, but surgical procedures do if a patient maintains a healthy lifestyle after treatment.

Does double chin come back after surgery?

Without a healthy lifestyle, patients risk dealing with this issue again. Augmentation can help to prevent a recurrence by permanently altering the profile and proportionality of a patient’s facial features. Patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery to avoid this issue resurfacing, especially after liposuction.

How painful is chin liposuction?

Patients are put under local anesthesia to avoid pain during the procedure. The first 2 to 4 days after surgery is when patients will experience the most pain, but this is mitigated by choosing a highly-qualified surgeon. Soreness and tenderness may persist for up to 4 weeks after the procedure.

How much fat is removed during chin lipo?

Less than 10% of the fat is removed during liposuction. This avoids any significant risk to the patient while still achieving effective aesthetic results. Removing an excessive amount of fat could lead to unnecessary trauma for the patient. This is another reason why choosing a highly qualified, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Miller is so important.

Facial Liposuction in New York

Facial liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to permanently remove excess fat from the cheeks, chin, and neck. It effectively contours the face and jawline, restoring a more youthful appearance.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who performs facial liposuction as a stand-alone procedure or combined with a facelift for a more comprehensive anti-aging effect. With his ability to blend art and science, Dr. Miller can accentuate his patients’ features with beautiful and natural-looking results.

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What can face liposuction do for me?

Face liposuction can sculpt your trouble areas in the face, such as a double chin or excess fatty deposits in the cheeks and jowls that often accumulate due to weight gain, genetics, or the aging process. It smooths the neck and contours the jawline for a more refined and youthful facial profile.

What areas can be treated by a face liposuction?

Face lipo can address the following areas and concerns:

  • Submental fat/double chin
  • Jowl formation
  • Excess fat around the neck
  • Fullness in the midface

Face liposuction before and after

face liposuction before and after
facial liposuction results on a male patient
face lipo results before and after

Why choose Dr. Miller for my face liposuction procedure?

Dr. Philip Miller is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgeries, including cheek and jowl liposuction. He creates customized treatment plans to help patients look and feel their best. 

Dr. Miller’s proprietary NatraLook™ process elevates the typical plastic surgery experience into an enriching and collaborative partnership that allows him and his patients to discuss the best approach to achieving Aesthetic Confidence and their desired results.

Facial liposuction FAQ

What is face liposuction?

Face liposuction is a common procedure involving the permanent removal of fat from the midface, chin, and neck. It is a powerful contouring technique for defining and sculpting the neck and jawline.

How much does face liposuction cost in NYC? 

On average, face liposuction in NYC costs range from around $4,500 to $9,000. Several factors affect the total cost, including anesthesia and facility fees, amount of fat removed, surgeon’s experience, etc. The total cost of your procedure will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Miller.

How will the procedure go

Facial liposuction normally takes less than one hour to perform. It is an outpatient procedure and is usually done under local anesthesia. Dr. Miller makes tiny incisions to insert a narrow cannula that breaks up the fat cells and suctions them out. 

The incisions are too small to require suturing or leave visible scarring behind. Most patients are back to regular activities within a matter of days.

What does recovery from face liposuction look like?

Recovery after face liposuction is relatively minimal. While the recovery process differs for everyone, most patients resume their normal activities three days to one week after surgery. You will be required to wear a compression garment for at least one week after your procedure to minimize swelling and bruising.

Expect minor bruising and swelling in the days following your procedure. You may ice your face to alleviate them. Keep your head elevated at night for the first 1-2 weeks to prevent fluid build-up and swelling.

Bruising and swelling typically resolve within a week or two, and full results are usually evident at that time.

Does it hurt? 

Dr. Miller uses local anesthesia to ensure the facial liposuction procedure is a comfortable experience. He also prescribes pain medications for the early part of the recovery process. Applying ice packs and wearing compression garments help alleviate swelling and bruising during those first days as well.

Will insurance cover my face liposuction?

Face liposuction, like most other cosmetic surgeries, is not covered by insurance.

How long does face liposuction last?

Liposuction results are permanent since fat is removed from the body during the procedure.

Dermal Fillers in New York

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that restore facial volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging in the skin. Injectable dermal fillers are less invasive than cosmetic surgery and can provide natural-looking results with less risk and downtime. Dermal fillers are made from substances such as hyaluronic acid and are injected into the skin to help fill in lines, plump up areas, and provide a more youthful look.

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Dermal Fillers Offered

There are many types of dermal fillers available, each with unique formulations designed to achieve a different result. Dr. Philip Miller offers several fillers in NYC, including:

  • Restylane® line: Restylane dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. The formulation works deep in the dermis to stimulate collagen production and smooth the skin for restored support and natural results.
  • Juvedérm® line: One of the most popular types of dermal fillers is Juvéderm, which is made from hyaluronic acid. Juvéderm fillers can help fill in deep lines and wrinkles. They can also be used to add fullness to areas that have lost volume, such as the cheeks or lips.
  • RHA® Fillers: RHA dermal fillers are specifically designed to move with the individual’s facial expressions to provide a natural-looking result that looks flawless in motion and at rest. RHA fillers are made from a particular type of hyaluronic acid that is highly resilient and has been developed to mimic the way the skin moves as the individual ages. This allows for a more natural-looking result that is long-lasting.
  • Radiesse: This collagen stimulator is made from calcium-based microspheres and is injected into the skin to help add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Radiesse stimulates natural collagen production, which helps improve skin quality and texture. Radiesse can enhance facial features, such as the cheeks or jawline.

Dermal Fillers Before and After

dermal fillers before and after
dermal fillers on a female patient before and after
dermal fillers for wrinkles results

How Do Dermal Fillers Compare to Botox?

Dermal fillers and Botox are both popular injectable treatments used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. While they both work to help improve the skin’s appearance, there are some key differences between the two treatments. Botox works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles to reduce the appearance of expression lines that form during repetitive facial movements like smiling and frowning. Dermal fillers are placed into the dermal tissue to add volume and smooth away static lines and wrinkles.

Are Dermal Fillers Permanent?

Dermal fillers are not permanent – results typically last 6-12 months. The longevity of the results depends on the type of filler used, the treatment location, and how quickly your body metabolizes the hyaluronic acid. The effects of dermal fillers can be maintained with regular treatments and touch-ups, making them an excellent option for individuals looking to maintain a youthful appearance without surgery.

How Do I Know Which Dermal Filler is Right for Me?

When deciding on the best dermal filler for you, it is essential to talk to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Your doctor can evaluate your needs and recommend the best type of filler for your skin type and desired results.

How Long Will My Dermal Filler Procedure Take?

Dermal filler treatments typically take just a few minutes to complete, depending on the type of filler used and the area being treated.

Are Dermal Fillers Painful?

Dermal fillers are considered a minimally-invasive procedure that is quite tolerable. A topical numbing cream may be used before the injections to ensure a comfortable treatment session.

How Many Dermal Filler Treatments Will I Need for Maximum Results?

Most patients will see full results after a single treatment session. In some cases, doctors may recommend a “top-off” session a couple of weeks after the first if more volume is desired.

Can Dermal Fillers Be Dissolved If I Don’t Like the Results?

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, can be dissolved if you don’t like your results. Hyaluronic acid can be broken down by an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which is also administered by injection. Other fillers, such as Radiesse, are made of calcium-based particles that cannot be dissolved.

Can I Receive Dermal Filler Injections and Botox Injections at the Same Time?

Many patients choose to combine dermal fillers and Botox to achieve optimal results. A popular treatment known as a liquid facelift combines the two treatments to fill in wrinkles and fine lines while also preventing new wrinkles from forming.

Are There Any Side Effects to Dermal Filler Injections?

The side effects of dermal fillers are typically mild and temporary but can include the following:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Tenderness

Learn more about dermal fillers here

Dermal Filler Treatments in NYC 

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures to rejuvenate the face and neck. In addition to dermal fillers, he offers a wide range of non-surgical and surgical treatments that can be customized to the unique needs and goals of each patient. 

Dr. Miller uses his proprietary NatraLook process to help his patients achieve Aesthetic Confidence. This consultation process ensures a safe, unintimidating collaboration between you and Dr. Miller to ensure you have a unified vision of what your results will look like after treatment. 

Are you ready to say goodbye to wrinkles and restore your youthful appearance? Contact us today in New York City or New Orleans to schedule your consultation.